Long Beach school board interviews top 3 for vacancy

LONG BEACH - The final three candidates for the vacant Long Beach Unified School Board seat are all local moms who say they are passionate about serving the community and improving public education.

Who will the school board choose as its newest member? The decision will be made Friday during a special 9 a.m. meeting at 1515 Hughes Way.

The final candidates are: Diana Craighead, the Parent Teacher Association president for Millikan High School; Nancy Manriquez-Dowell, a former counselor for the LBUSD who now works as an independent educational consultant; and Maria Williams-Slaughter, an administrator in the department of planning and facilities management at Cal State Long Beach.

The 5th District seat, which represents portions of East Long Beach and Lakewood, was vacated in January when David Barton resigned suddenly due to health issues.

The board voted to fill the seat by appointment after interpreting language in the city charter that requires the district to hold a special election, but that also allows the board to appoint a new member if there is another election occurring within 120 days of the vacancy. Two other seats on the five-member board are up for election April 10.

The district received a total of 27 applications, which were then narrowed down to the top three by a special committee of support staff employees, representatives of the school district's management association and the Long Beach Council PTA.

The Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB) chose not to participate in the selection process because the teachers union does not agree with the board's decision to forgo a special election in favor of an appointment.

School board members Felton Williams, Jon Meyer and John McGinnis interviewed the three candidates in a public meeting on Tuesday.

Questions for the candidates ranged from their involvement in the community to their thoughts on budget cuts and fiscal stabilization.

When asked about essential courses or programs that should be maintained, Manriquez-Dowell said extracurricular activities, such as sports and music, are vital for student success.

Craighead also cited music, sports and art as essential for engaging students and keeping them in school.

Williams-Slaughter said the district needs to maintain its focus on math and English proficiency in the classroom.

On their applications, each candidate was asked why she wants to be a school board member.

Manriquez-Dowell, a 5th District resident for 27 years and mother of three, said she has gained experience while working as a school counselor and consultant for two decades. She has worked in school districts including LBUSD, El Monte, Norwalk-La Mirada and Whittier City.

"The past 19 years, while my children attended LBUSD, I was involved with the district in a variety of capacities, as a parent, volunteer and employee," she wrote. "I feel I have a great understanding of how the district works and I feel I can do the job."

Williams-Slaughter, a 5th District resident for 11 years and mother of two, said she hopes to lend her voice as a parent and "assist the LBUSD in continuing to provide a high-quality educational experience during these extremely challenging times."

She has served on committees, including the LBUSD's Dropout Prevention Committee and the Cal State Long Beach Student Fee Advisory Committee.

Craighead, a mother of three and district resident for 19 years, wants to continue her community involvement. Craighead said she has long been active in the PTA and has served on LBUSD committees including the Budget Advisory and Academic Success Advisory committees.

"I have been volunteering for several years as a concerned and involved parent and I see this as a continuation of the investment I've already made to my community," she wrote. "I truly care about the public school system and want to be part of a school district that shares the same values."

To see the complete applications from the school board candidates, visit www.lbschools.net.